U.S. patent application number 14/596320 was filed with the patent office on 2015-07-30 for means for operating an mri device within a rf-magnetic environment.
The applicant listed for this patent is ASPECT IMAGING LTD.. Invention is credited to Uri RAPOPORT.
Application Number | 20150212172 14/596320 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52812256 |
Filed Date | 2015-07-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150212172 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
RAPOPORT; Uri |
July 30, 2015 |
MEANS FOR OPERATING AN MRI DEVICE WITHIN A RF-MAGNETIC
ENVIRONMENT
Abstract
An MRI device that reduces radio-frequency (RF) interference and
the effect of the MRI's magnet, within an active RF-magnetic
environment. The device relies on a shield. The device includes a
uniform non-fringing magnetic field resonance device (UNF-MRD), an
RF shielding means either embedded within or in connection with the
UNF-MRD for providing the UNF-MRD a radio interference immunity
(RII) from RF-electromagnetic environment surrounding the same.
Inventors: |
RAPOPORT; Uri; (Moshav Ben
Shemen, IL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
ASPECT IMAGING LTD. |
Shoham |
IL |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
52812256 |
Appl. No.: |
14/596320 |
Filed: |
January 14, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61932820 |
Jan 29, 2014 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
324/318 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G01R 33/422 20130101;
A61B 5/055 20130101; H01P 11/007 20130101; A61B 2562/182 20130101;
Y10T 29/49016 20150115; G01R 33/34 20130101; Y10T 29/49018
20150115 |
International
Class: |
G01R 33/422 20060101
G01R033/422 |
Claims
1. In a uniform non-fringing magnetic field resonance device
(UNF-MRD), an RF shielding means either embedded within or in
connection with said UNF-MRD for providing said UNF-MRD a radio
interference immunity (RII) from RF-electromagnetic environment
surrounding the same.
2. The RF shielding means of claim 1, wherein said UNF-MRD is
characterized by a main longitudinal axis with a distal and
proximal ends and comprises (a) an open bore extended along said
axis and terminated by an aperture located in said proximal end and
(b), a closure assembly which is shaped to fit said aperture.
3. The RF shielding means of claim 2, wherein said RF shielding
means comprises an RF shielding conduit (RFSC), having apertures
shaped to permit passage of medical equipment tubing from the
external environment of said UNF-MRD to inner space of said bore,
affixed to said closure assembly, said conduit is characterized by
a length (l) and width (w), l:w ratio is greater than a predefined
value n, thereby providing RF shielding.
4. The RF shielding means of claim 2, wherein said RFSC is
connected in a non-protruding manner to said closure assembly,
thereby indirect access is provided between said bore and said
external environment.
5. The RF shielding means of claim 2, wherein said RFSC profile
along said width is of a shape selected from a group consisting of:
curved U-shape, polygonal U-shape, C-shaped, V-shaped, W-shaped,
symmetrical, non-symmetrical, cylinder, polygonal, straight faced,
curved, closed shape, open shape and any combination thereof.
6. The RF shielding means of claim 2, wherein said RFSC comprises a
wall along said length; said wall is of a shape selected from a
group consisting of: straight, curved, polygonal, symmetrical, non
symmetrical and any combination thereof.
7. The RF shielding means of claim 2, wherein at least a portion of
said RFSC comprises electromagnetic conductive material.
8. The RF shielding means of claim 2, wherein said conduit is
configured to shield the passage of frequencies selected from a
group consisting of: 0 to about 1000 MHz, 0 to about 500 MHz, 0 to
about 200 MHz and any combination thereof.
9. The RF shielding means of claim 2, wherein said conduit is
configured to shield electro-magnetic interference by means
selected from a group consisting of: waveguide, RF filter,
waveguide filter, attenuating material, and any combination
thereof.
10. The RF shielding means of claim 2, wherein at least a portion
of said RFSC comprises shielding selected from a group consisting
of: magnetic shielding, RF shielding, physical shielding and any
combination thereof.
11. The RF shielding means of claim 2, wherein said RFSC is affixed
to said closure assembly further comprising a hinge having at least
one first connecting member connected to said UNF-MRD and at least
one second connecting member, connected to said closure assembly,
further wherein said at least one first connecting member is
maneuverably coupled to said at least one second connecting
member.
12. The RF shielding means of claim 2, wherein said RF shielding
means comprises an RF shielding hinge (RFSH); said RFSH comprises
at least one first connecting member connected to said UNF-MRD or
said open bore thereof and at least one second connecting member,
connected to said closure assembly; said at least one first
connecting member is maneuverably coupled to said at least one
second connecting member; said RFSH comprising a conduit, having
apertures shaped to permit passage of medical equipment tubing from
the external environment of said MRD to inner space of said bore,
said conduit having a length (l) and width (w) is provided within
at least a portion of said one first member, at least a portion of
said one second member or in at least a portion of both members;
l:w ratio is greater than a predefined value n, thereby RF
shielding.
13. The RF shielding means of claim 12, wherein said RFSH member
connected to said UNF-MRD is connected at a location selected from
a group consisting of: at least a portion of said UNF-MRD external
wall, within at least a portion of said bore, at least a portion of
said UNF-MRD aperture perimeter and any combination thereof.
14. The RF shielding means of claim 12, wherein said hinge first
connecting member is connected at a location, in respect to said
UNF-MRD aperture, selected from a group consisting of: left, right,
below, above and any combination thereof.
15. The RF shielding means of claim 12, wherein at least a portion
of said RFSH comprises shielding selected from a group consisting
of: magnetic shielding, RF shielding, physical shielding and any
combination thereof.
16. The RF shielding means of claim 12, wherein said conduit is
configured to shield the passage of frequencies selected from a
group consisting of: 0-1000 MHz, 0-500 MHz, 0-200 MHz and any
combination thereof.
17. The RF shielding means of claim 12, wherein said conduit is
configured to shield electro-magnetic interference by means
selected from a group of: waveguide, RF filter, waveguide filter,
attenuating material, and any combination thereof.
18. The RF shielding means of claim 1, wherein said RF interference
is within a predetermined range.
19. The RF shielding means of claim 18, wherein said range is
selected from a group consisting of: (a) from about 10 to about 100
MHz; (b) from about 0 to about 1000 MHz; (c) from about 0 to about
500 MHz; (d) from about 0 to about 200 MHz; and any combination
thereof.
20. The RF shielding means of claim 1, wherein said RF shielding
means reject frequencies in within a predetermined range.
21. The RF shielding means of claim 20, wherein said range is
selected from a group consisting of: (a) from about 10 to about 100
MHz; (b) from about 0 to about 1000 MHz; (c) from about 0 to about
500 MHz; (d) from about 0 to about 200 MHz; and any combination
thereof.
22. The RF shielding means of claim 1, wherein said
RF-electromagnetic environment includes an item selected from a
group consisting of RF welders, electronic article surveillance and
RF identification devices, cordless phones, FM and AM broadcasting
and receiving devices, and any combination thereof.
23. The RF shielding means of claim 1, wherein said RF interference
is selected from a group consisting of continuous interference,
transient interference, and any combination thereof.
24. The RF shielding means of claim 1, wherein said RII provided by
said shielding is above a predetermined value.
25. The RF shielding means of claim 24, wherein said predetermined
value is about 100 dB.
26. The RF shielding means of claim 1, wherein the magnetic field
within a predetermined radius from said UNF-MRD is less than a
predetermined value.
27. The RF shielding means of claim 26, wherein said predetermined
radius is less than about 0.5 and said predetermined value is less
than about 20 mT.
28. The RF shielding means of claim 1, wherein said RII provides no
zipper effect in images produced by said UNF-MRD.
29. The RF shielding means of claim 1, wherein said UNF-MRD
provides images with no Herringbone effect.
30. The RF shielding means of claim 1, wherein said UNF-MRD is
compatible with ferromagnetic materials located further than a
predetermined distance.
31. The RF shielding means of claim 30, wherein said predetermined
distance is about 0.5 meters.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention generally relates to an MRI device
that reduces radio-frequency (RF) interference as well as reduces
the effect of the MRI's magnet, within an active RF-magnetic
environment. More particularly, the invention pertains to a
non-fringing magnetic field resonance MRI device having RF
shielding means, to methods thereof and to standard of care for
safe operation of MRI devices in an RF-magnetic environment.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Electromagnetic radiation (EMR) is a form of energy emitted
and absorbed by charged particles which exhibit wave-like behavior
as it travels through space. EMR is classified according to the
frequency of its wave. It consists of radio waves, microwaves,
infrared radiation, visible light, ultraviolet radiation, X-rays
and gamma rays. The electro-magnetic radiation is called
radio-frequency (RF) radiation when it is within the radio wave
range.
[0003] RF interference is disturbance that affects an electrical
circuit due to either electromagnetic induction or electromagnetic
radiation emitted from an external source within the radio wave
range. The disturbance may interrupt, obstruct, or otherwise
degrade or limit the effective performance of the circuit. These
effects can range from a simple degradation of data to a total loss
of data. The source may be any object, artificial or natural, that
carries rapidly changing electrical currents, such as an electrical
circuit, the Sun or the Northern Lights.
[0004] Hospital is an environment highly dense with apparatus
emitting RF radiation, ranging from medical equipment, through
communication devices such as intercoms and call units to electric
personal gear of hospital staff, patients and their families. All
these electric apparatus may interfere and disturb the function of
each other.
[0005] The most important outcome of RF interference within a
hospital is dysfunction of medical equipment. For example, an MRI
that depends on an RF coil which its shift resulting from RF
interference will change the readings of the machine and as a
result will give inaccurate data.
[0006] The RF interference will also obstruct RF-dependent cordless
interaction between medical devices. For example, a monitor
transmitting data to the nurse unit may send inaccurate and shifted
signals that may cost a life. Although not life threatening, RF
interference of medical devices with cellular reception is a
burdensome nuisance, especially for patient and their relatives as
well as the medical staff.
[0007] There thus remains a long felt and unmet need for a uniform
non-fringing magnetic field resonance MRI device that functions
within an active RF-magnetic environment without being affected by
other ferromagnetic RF transmitting devices and without affecting
their function.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] According to one embodiment of the present invention, In a
uniform non-fringing magnetic field resonance device (UNF-MRD), an
RF shielding means for providing radio interference immunity (RII)
to the UNF-MRD from RF-electromagnetic environment surrounding the
same; wherein no RF and magnetic interference between the UNF-MRD
and the RF-electromagnetic environment are generated.
[0009] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
wherein the UNF-MRD comprising (a) a main longitudinal axis with a
distal and proximal ends; (b) an open bore extended along the axis
and terminated by an aperture located in the proximal end; and (c)
a closure assembly which is shaped to fit the aperture.
[0010] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
wherein the RF shielding means comprises an RF shielding conduit
(RFSC), having apertures shaped to permit passage of medical
equipment tubing from the external environment of the UNF-MRD to
inner space of the bore, affixed to the closure assembly, the
conduit is characterized by a length (l) and width (w), l:w ratio
is greater than a predefined value n, thereby providing RF
shielding.
[0011] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
wherein the RFSC is connected in a non-protruding manner to the
closure assembly, thereby indirect access is provided between the
bore and the external environment.
[0012] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
wherein the RFSC profile along the width is of a shape selected
from a group consisting of: curved U-shape, polygonal U-shape,
C-shaped, V-shaped, W-shaped, symmetrical, non-symmetrical,
cylinder, polygonal, straight faced, curved, closed shape, open
shape and any combination thereof.
[0013] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
wherein the RFSC comprises a wall along the length; the wall is of
a shape selected from a group consisting of: straight, curved,
polygonal, symmetrical, non-symmetrical and any combination
thereof.
[0014] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
wherein at least a portion of the RFSC comprises electromagnetic
conductive material.
[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
wherein the conduit is configured to shield the passage of
frequencies selected from a group consisting of: 0 to about 1000
MHz, 0 to about 500 MHz, 0 to about 200 MHz and any combination
thereof.
[0016] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
wherein the conduit is configured to shield electro-magnetic
interference by means selected from a group consisting of:
waveguide, RF filter, waveguide filter, attenuating material, and
any combination thereof.
[0017] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
wherein at least a portion of the RFSC comprises shielding selected
from a group consisting of: magnetic shielding, RF shielding,
physical shielding and any combination thereof.
[0018] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
wherein the RFSC is affixed to the closure assembly further
comprising a hinge having at least one first connecting member
connected to the UNF-MRD and at least one second connecting member,
connected to the closure assembly, further wherein at least one
first connecting member is maneuverably coupled to at least one
second connecting member.
[0019] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
wherein the RF shielding means comprises an RF shielding hinge
(RFSH); the RFSH comprises at least one first connecting member
connected to the UNF-MRD or the open bore thereof and at least one
second connecting member, connected to the closure assembly; at
least one first connecting member is maneuverably coupled to at
least one second connecting member; the RFSH comprising a conduit,
having apertures shaped to permit passage of medical equipment
tubing from the external environment of the MRD to inner space of
the bore, the conduit having a length (l) and width (w) is provided
within at least a portion of the one first member, at least a
portion of the one second member or in at least a portion of both
members; l:w ratio is greater than a predefined value n, thereby RF
shielding.
[0020] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
wherein the RFSH member connected to the UNF-MRD is connected at a
location selected from a group consisting of: at least a portion of
the UNF-MRD external wall, within at least a portion of the bore,
at least a portion of the UNF-MRD aperture perimeter and any
combination thereof.
[0021] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
wherein the hinge first connecting member is connected at a
location, in respect to the UNF-MRD aperture, selected from a group
consisting of: left, right, below, above and any combination
thereof
[0022] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
wherein at least a portion of the RFSH comprises shielding selected
from a group consisting of: magnetic shielding, RF shielding,
physical shielding and any combination thereof.
[0023] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
wherein the conduit is configured to shield the passage of
frequencies selected from a group consisting of: 0-1000 MHz, 0-500
MHz, 0-200 MHz and any combination thereof.
[0024] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
wherein the conduit is configured to shield electro-magnetic
interference by means selected from a group of: waveguide, RF
filter, waveguide filter, attenuating material, and any combination
thereof.
[0025] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
wherein the RF interference is within a predetermined range.
[0026] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
wherein the range is selected from a group consisting of: (a) from
about 10 to about 100 MHz; (b) from about 0 to about 1000 MHz; (c)
from about 0 to about 500 MHz; (d) from about 0 to about 200 MHz;
and any combination thereof
[0027] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
wherein the RF shielding means reject frequencies in within a
predetermined range.
[0028] The RF shielding means of claim 19, wherein the range is
selected from a group consisting of: (a) from about 10 to about 100
MHz; (b) from about 0 to about 1000 MHz; (c) from about 0 to about
500 MHz; (d) from about 0 to about 200 MHz; and any combination
thereof.
[0029] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
wherein the RF-electromagnetic environment includes an item
selected from a group consisting of RF welders, electronic article
surveillance and RF identification devices, cordless phones, FM and
AM broadcasting and receiving devices, and any combination
thereof
[0030] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
wherein the RF interference is selected from a group consisting of
continuous interference, transient interference, and any
combination thereof.
[0031] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
wherein the RII provided by the shielding is above a predetermined
value.
[0032] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
wherein the predetermined value is about 100 dB.
[0033] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
wherein the magnetic field within a predetermined radius from the
UNF-MRD is less than a predetermined value.
[0034] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
wherein the predetermined radius is less than about 0.5 meter the
predetermined value is less than about 20 mT.
[0035] 20 mT is the weakest magnetism that may erase information
from a credit card.
[0036] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
wherein the RII provides no zipper effect in images produced by the
UNF-MRD.
[0037] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
wherein the UNF-MRD provides images with no Herringbone effect.
[0038] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
wherein the UNF-MRD is compatible with ferromagnetic materials
located further than a predetermined distance.
[0039] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
wherein the predetermined distance is about 0.5 meters.
[0040] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a
method for eliminating RF interference between a uniform
non-fringing magnetic field resonance device (UNF-MRD) and an
RF-electromagnetic environment surrounding the same, comprising
steps of: (a) obtaining a UNF-MRD; and, (b) embedding RF shielding
means; the RF shielding means provides radio interference immunity
(RII) to the UNF-MRD from RF-electromagnetic environment; thereby,
no RF and magnetic interference between the UNF-MRD and the
RF-electromagnetic environment is generated.
[0041] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
additionally comprising a step of providing the UNF-MRD with (a) a
main longitudinal axis with a distal and proximal ends; (b) an open
bore extended along the axis and terminated by an aperture located
in the proximal end; and (c) a closure assembly which is shaped to
fit the aperture.
[0042] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
additionally comprising a step of selecting an RF shielding conduit
(RFSC) for the RF shielding means, the RFSC having apertures shaped
to permit passage of medical equipment tubing from the external
environment of the UNF-MRD to inner space of the bore, affixed to
the closure assembly, wherein the conduit is characterized by a
length (l) and width (w), l:w ratio is greater than a predefined
value n, thereby providing RF shielding.
[0043] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
additionally comprising a step of connecting the RFSC in a
non-protruding manner to the closure assembly, thereby providing
indirect access between the bore and the external environment.
[0044] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
additionally comprising a step of selecting the RFSC profile along
the width is of a shape from a group consisting of: curved U-shape,
polygonal U-shape, C-shaped, V-shaped, W-shaped, symmetrical,
non-symmetrical, cylinder, polygonal, straight faced, curved,
closed shape, open shape and any combination thereof.
[0045] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
additionally comprising a step of providing a wall along the
length; the wall is of a shape selected from a group consisting of:
straight, curved, polygonal, symmetrical, non-symmetrical and any
combination thereof
[0046] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
additionally comprising a step of providing, to at least a portion
of the RFSC, electromagnetic conductive material.
[0047] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
additionally comprising a step of configuring the conduit to shield
the passage of frequencies selected from a group consisting of: 0
to about 1000 MHz, 0 to about 500 MHz, 0 to about 200 MHz and any
combination thereof.
[0048] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
additionally comprising a step of configuring the conduit to shield
the electro-magnetic interference by means selected from a group
consisting of: waveguide, RF filter, waveguide filter, attenuating
material, and any combination thereof
[0049] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
additionally comprising a step of providing, to at least a portion
of the RFSC, shielding selected from a group consisting of:
magnetic shielding, RF shielding, physical shielding and any
combination thereof.
[0050] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
additionally comprising a step of affixing the RFSC to the closure
assembly further comprising a hinge having at least one first
connecting member connected to the UNF-MRD and at least one second
connecting member, connected to the closure assembly, further
wherein at least one first connecting member is maneuverably
coupled to at least one second connecting member.
[0051] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
additionally comprising a step of selecting an RF shielding hinge
(RFSH) for the RF shielding means; the RFSH comprises at least one
first connecting member connected to the UNF-MRD or the open bore
thereof and at least one second connecting member, connected to the
closure assembly; at least one first connecting member is
maneuverably coupled to at least one second connecting member; the
RFSH comprising a conduit, having apertures shaped to permit
passage of medical equipment tubing from the external environment
of the MRD to inner space of the bore, the conduit having a length
(l) and width (w) is provided within at least a portion of the one
first member, at least a portion of the one second member or in at
least a portion of both members; l:w ratio is greater than a
predefined value n, thereby RF shielding.
[0052] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
additionally comprising a step of connecting the RFSH member to the
UNF-MRD is connected at a location selected from a group consisting
of: at least a portion of the UNF-MRD external wall, within at
least a portion of the bore, at least a portion of the UNF-MRD
aperture perimeter and any combination thereof.
[0053] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
additionally comprising a step of connecting the hinge first
connecting member at a location, in respect to the UNF-MRD
aperture, selected from a group consisting of: left, right, below,
above and any combination thereof.
[0054] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
additionally comprising a step of selecting at least a portion of
the RFSH comprises shielding from a group consisting of: magnetic
shielding, RF shielding, physical shielding and any combination
thereof.
[0055] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
additionally comprising a step of configuring the conduit to shield
the passage of frequencies selected from a group consisting of: 0
to about 1000 MHz, 0 to about 500 MHz, 0 to about 200 MHz and any
combination thereof.
[0056] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
additionally comprising a step of configuring the conduit to shield
the electro-magnetic interference by means selected from a group
of: waveguide, RF filter, waveguide filter, attenuating material,
and any combination thereof.
[0057] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
additionally comprising a step of defining the RF interference
within a predetermined range.
[0058] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
additionally comprising a step of selecting the range from a group
consisting of: (a) from about 10 to about 100 MHz; (b) from about 0
to about 1000 MHz; (c) from about 0 to about 500 MHz; (d) from
about 0 to about 200 MHz; and any combination thereof.
[0059] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
additionally comprising a step of rejecting the RF shielding means
frequencies in within a predetermined range.
[0060] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
additionally comprising a step of selecting the range from a group
consisting of: (a) from about 10 to about 100 MHz; (b) from about 0
to about 1000 MHz; (c) from about 0 to about 500 MHz; (d) from
about 0 to about 200 MHz; and any combination thereof.
[0061] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
wherein the RF-electromagnetic environment includes an item
selected from a group consisting of RF welders, electronic article
surveillance and RF identification devices, cordless phones, FM and
AM broadcasting and receiving devices, and any combination
thereof.
[0062] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
additionally comprising a step of selecting the RF interference
from a group consisting of continuous interference, transient
interference, and any combination thereof.
[0063] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
wherein the RII provided by the shielding is above a predetermined
value.
[0064] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
wherein the predetermined value is about 100 dB.
[0065] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
wherein the magnetic field within a predetermined radius from the
UNF-MRD is less than a predetermined value.
[0066] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
wherein the predetermined radius is less than about 0.5 meter the
predetermined value is less than about 20 mT.
[0067] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
additionally comprising a step of providing no zipper effect by the
RII in images produced by the UNF-MRD.
[0068] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
additionally comprising a step of providing by the UNF-MRD images
with no Herringbone effect.
[0069] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
wherein the UNF-MRD is compatible with ferromagnetic materials
located further than a predetermined distance.
[0070] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
wherein the predetermined distance is about 0.5 meters.
[0071] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
wherein subjects going through an imaging process in the UNF-MRD
are not obligated to be detached from medical equipment.
[0072] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
additionally comprising a step of passing the medical equipment
tubing through the conduit.
[0073] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a
method for manufacturing a uniform non-fringing magnetic field
resonance device (UNF-MRD) for imaging within an RF-electromagnetic
environment surrounding the same, comprising steps of: (a)
obtaining an UNF-MRD; and, (b) embedding RF shielding means; the RF
shielding means provides radio interference immunity (RII) to the
UNF-MRD from RF-electromagnetic environment; thereby, no RF and
magnetic interference between the UNF-MRD and the
RF-electromagnetic environment is generated.
[0074] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
additionally comprising a step of providing the UNF-MRD with (a) a
main longitudinal axis with a distal and proximal ends; (b) an open
bore extended along the axis and terminated by an aperture located
in the proximal end; and (c) a closure assembly which is shaped to
fit the aperture.
[0075] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
additionally comprising a step of selecting an RF shielding conduit
(RFSC) for the RF shielding means, the RFSC having apertures shaped
to permit passage of medical equipment tubing from the external
environment of the UNF-MRD to inner space of the bore, affixed to
the closure assembly, wherein the conduit is characterized by a
length (l) and width (w), l:w ratio is greater than a predefined
value n, thereby providing RF shielding.
[0076] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
additionally comprising a step of connecting the RFSC in a
non-protruding manner to the closure assembly, thereby providing
indirect access between the bore and the external environment.
[0077] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
additionally comprising a step of selecting the RFSC profile along
the width is of a shape from a group consisting of: curved U-shape,
polygonal U-shape, C-shaped, V-shaped, W-shaped, symmetrical,
non-symmetrical, cylinder, polygonal, straight faced, curved,
closed shape, open shape and any combination thereof.
[0078] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
additionally comprising a step of providing a wall along the
length; the wall is of a shape selected from a group consisting of:
straight, curved, polygonal, symmetrical, non symmetrical and any
combination thereof.
[0079] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
additionally comprising a step of providing, to at least a portion
of the RFSC, electromagnetic conductive material.
[0080] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
additionally comprising a step of configuring the conduit to shield
the passage of frequencies selected from a group consisting of: 0
to about 1000 MHz, 0 to about 500 MHz, 0 to about 200 MHz and any
combination thereof.
[0081] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
additionally comprising a step of configuring the conduit to shield
the electro-magnetic interference by means selected from a group
consisting of: waveguide, RF filter, waveguide filter, attenuating
material, and any combination thereof.
[0082] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
additionally comprising a step of providing, to at least a portion
of the RFSC, shielding selected from a group consisting of magnetic
shielding, RF shielding, physical shielding and any combination
thereof.
[0083] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
additionally comprising a step of affixing the RFSC to the closure
assembly further comprising a hinge having at least one first
connecting member connected to the UNF-MRD and at least one second
connecting member, connected to the closure assembly, further
wherein at least one first connecting member is maneuverably
coupled to at least one second connecting member.
[0084] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
additionally comprising a step of selecting an RF shielding hinge
(RFSH) for the RF shielding means; the RFSH comprises at least one
first connecting member connected to the UNF-MRD or the open bore
thereof and at least one second connecting member, connected to the
closure assembly; at least one first connecting member is
maneuverably coupled to at least one second connecting member; the
RFSH comprising a conduit, having apertures shaped to permit
passage of medical equipment tubing from the external environment
of the MRD to inner space of the bore, the conduit having a length
(l) and width (w) is provided within at least a portion of the one
first member, at least a portion of the one second member or in at
least a portion of both members; l:w ratio is greater than a
predefined value n, thereby RF shielding.
[0085] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
additionally comprising a step of connecting the RFSH member to the
UNF-MRD is connected at a location selected from a group consisting
of: at least a portion of the UNF-MRD external wall, within at
least a portion of the bore, at least a portion of the UNF-MRD
aperture perimeter and any combination thereof
[0086] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
additionally comprising a step of connecting the hinge first
connecting member at a location, in respect to the UNF-MRD
aperture, selected from a group consisting of: left, right, below,
above and any combination thereof.
[0087] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
additionally comprising a step of selecting at least a portion of
the RFSH comprises shielding from a group consisting of: magnetic
shielding, RF shielding, physical shielding and any combination
thereof.
[0088] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
additionally comprising a step of configuring the conduit to shield
the passage of frequencies selected from a group consisting of: 0
to about 1000 MHz, 0 to about 500 MHz, 0 to about 200 MHz and any
combination thereof.
[0089] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
additionally comprising a step of configuring the conduit to shield
the electro-magnetic interference by means selected from a group
of: waveguide, RF filter, waveguide filter, attenuating material,
and any combination thereof.
[0090] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
additionally comprising a step of defining the RF interference
within a predetermined range.
[0091] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
additionally comprising a step of selecting the range from a group
consisting of: (a) from about 10 to about 100 MHz; (b) from about 0
to about 1000 MHz; (c) from about 0 to about 500 MHz; (d) from
about 0 to about 200 MHz; and any combination thereof.
[0092] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
additionally comprising a step of rejecting the RF shielding means
frequencies in within a predetermined range.
[0093] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
additionally comprising a step of selecting the range from a group
consisting of: (a) from about 10 to about 100 MHz; (b) from about 0
to about 1000 MHz; (c) from about 0 to about 500 MHz; (d) from
about 0 to about 200 MHz; and any combination thereof.
[0094] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
wherein the RF-electromagnetic environment includes an item
selected from a group consisting of RF welders, electronic article
surveillance and RF identification devices, cordless phones, FM and
AM broadcasting and receiving devices, and any combination
thereof.
[0095] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
additionally comprising a step of selecting the RF interference
from a group consisting of continuous interference, transient
interference, and any combination thereof.
[0096] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
wherein the RII provided by the shielding is above a predetermined
value.
[0097] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
wherein the predetermined value is about 100 dB.
[0098] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
wherein the magnetic field within a predetermined radius from the
UNF-MRD is less than a predetermined value.
[0099] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
wherein the predetermined radius is less than about 0.5 meter the
predetermined value is less than about 20 mT.
[0100] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
additionally comprising a step of providing no Zipper effect by the
RII in images produced by the UNF-MRD.
[0101] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
additionally comprising a step of providing by the UNF-MRD images
with no Herringbone effect.
[0102] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
wherein the UNF-MRD is compatible with ferromagnetic materials
located further than a predetermined distance.
[0103] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
wherein the predetermined distance is about 0.5 meters.
[0104] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
wherein subjects going through an imaging process in the UNF-MRD
are not obligated to be detached from medical equipment.
[0105] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
additionally comprising a step of passing the medical equipment
tubing through the conduit.
[0106] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a
standard of care (SOC) method for imaging a uniform non-fringing
magnetic field resonance device (UNF-MRD) for imaging within an
RF-electromagnetic environment surrounding the same, comprising
steps of: (a) obtaining an UNF-MRD; and, (b) embedding RF shielding
means; the RF shielding means provides radio interference immunity
(RII) to the UNF-MRD from RF-electromagnetic environment; thereby,
no RF and magnetic interference between the UNF-MRD and the
RF-electromagnetic environment is generated.
[0107] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
additionally comprising a step of providing the UNF-MRD with (a) a
main longitudinal axis with a distal and proximal ends; (b) an open
bore extended along the axis and terminated by an aperture located
in the proximal end; and (c) a closure assembly which is shaped to
fit the aperture.
[0108] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
additionally comprising a step of selecting an RF shielding conduit
(RFSC) for the RF shielding means, the RFSC having apertures shaped
to permit passage of medical equipment tubing from the external
environment of the UNF-MRD to inner space of the bore, affixed to
the closure assembly, wherein the conduit is characterized by a
length (l) and width (w), l:w ratio is greater than a predefined
value n, thereby providing RF shielding.
[0109] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
additionally comprising a step of connecting the RFSC in a
non-protruding manner to the closure assembly, thereby providing
indirect access between the bore and the external environment.
[0110] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
additionally comprising a step of selecting the RFSC profile along
the width is of a shape from a group consisting of: curved U-shape,
polygonal U-shape, C-shaped, V-shaped, W-shaped, symmetrical,
non-symmetrical, cylinder, polygonal, straight faced, curved,
closed shape, open shape and any combination thereof.
[0111] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
additionally comprising a step of providing a wall along the
length; the wall is of a shape selected from a group consisting of:
straight, curved, polygonal, symmetrical, non-symmetrical and any
combination thereof.
[0112] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
additionally comprising a step of providing, to at least a portion
of the RFSC, electromagnetic conductive material.
[0113] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
additionally comprising a step of configuring the conduit to shield
the passage of frequencies selected from a group consisting of: 0
to about 1000 MHz, 0 to about 500 MHz, 0 to about 200 MHz and any
combination thereof.
[0114] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
additionally comprising a step of configuring the conduit to shield
the electro-magnetic interference by means selected from a group
consisting of waveguide, RF filter, waveguide filter, attenuating
material, and any combination thereof.
[0115] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
additionally comprising a step of providing, to at least a portion
of the RFSC, shielding selected from a group consisting of:
magnetic shielding, RF shielding, physical shielding and any
combination thereof.
[0116] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
additionally comprising a step of affixing the RFSC to the closure
assembly further comprising a hinge having at least one first
connecting member connected to the UNF-MRD and at least one second
connecting member, connected to the closure assembly, further
wherein at least one first connecting member is maneuverably
coupled to at least one second connecting member.
[0117] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
additionally comprising a step of selecting an RF shielding hinge
(RFSH) for the RF shielding means; the RFSH comprises at least one
first connecting member connected to the UNF-MRD or the open bore
thereof and at least one second connecting member, connected to the
closure assembly; at least one first connecting member is
maneuverably coupled to at least one second connecting member; the
RFSH comprising a conduit, having apertures shaped to permit
passage of medical equipment tubing from the external environment
of the MRD to inner space of the bore, the conduit having a length
(l) and width (w) is provided within at least a portion of the one
first member, at least a portion of the one second member or in at
least a portion of both members; l:w ratio is greater than a
predefined value n, thereby RF shielding.
[0118] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
additionally comprising a step of connecting the RFSH member to the
UNF-MRD is connected at a location selected from a group consisting
of: at least a portion of the UNF-MRD external wall, within at
least a portion of the bore, at least a portion of the UNF-MRD
aperture perimeter and any combination thereof
[0119] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
additionally comprising a step of connecting the hinge first
connecting member at a location, in respect to the UNF-MRD
aperture, selected from a group consisting of: left, right, below,
above and any combination thereof.
[0120] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
additionally comprising a step of selecting at least a portion of
the RFSH comprises shielding from a group consisting of: magnetic
shielding, RF shielding, physical shielding and any combination
thereof.
[0121] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
additionally comprising a step of configuring the conduit to shield
the passage of frequencies selected from a group consisting of 0 to
about 1000 MHz, 0 to about 500 MHz, 0 to about 200 MHz and any
combination thereof.
[0122] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
additionally comprising a step of configuring the conduit to shield
the electro-magnetic interference by means selected from a group
of: waveguide, RF filter, waveguide filter, attenuating material,
and any combination thereof.
[0123] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
additionally comprising a step of defining the RF interference
within a predetermined range.
[0124] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
additionally comprising a step of selecting the range from a group
consisting of: (a) from about 10 to about 100 MHz; (b) from about 0
to about 1000 MHz; (c) from about 0 to about 500 MHz; (d) from
about 0 to about 200 MHz; and any combination thereof.
[0125] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
additionally comprising a step of rejecting the RF shielding means
frequencies in within a predetermined range.
[0126] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
additionally comprising a step of selecting the range from a group
consisting of (a) from about 10 to about 100 MHz; (b) from about 0
to about 1000 MHz; (c) from about 0 to about 500 MHz; (d) from
about 0 to about 200 MHz; and any combination thereof.
[0127] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
wherein the RF-electromagnetic environment includes an item
selected from a group consisting of RF welders, electronic article
surveillance and RF identification devices, cordless phones, FM and
AM broadcasting and receiving devices, and any combination
thereof.
[0128] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
additionally comprising a step of selecting the RF interference
from a group consisting of continuous interference, transient
interference, and any combination thereof.
[0129] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
wherein the RII provided by the shielding is above a predetermined
value.
[0130] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
wherein the predetermined value is about 100 dB.
[0131] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
wherein the magnetic field within a predetermined radius from the
UNF-MRD is less than a predetermined value.
[0132] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
wherein the predetermined radius is less than about 0.5 meter the
predetermined value is less than about 20 mT.
[0133] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
additionally comprising a step of providing no zipper effect by the
RII in images produced by the UNF-MRD.
[0134] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
additionally comprising a step of providing by the UNF-MRD images
with no Herringbone effect.
[0135] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
wherein the UNF-MRD is compatible with ferromagnetic materials
located further than a predetermined distance.
[0136] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
wherein the predetermined distance is about 0.5 meters.
[0137] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
wherein subjects going through an imaging process in the UNF-MRD
are not obligated to be detached from medical equipment.
[0138] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
additionally comprising a step of passing the medical equipment
tubing through the conduit.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0139] In the following detailed description of the preferred
embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that
form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration
specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is
understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural
changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present
invention. The present invention may be practiced according to the
claims without some or all of these specific details. For the
purpose of clarity, technical material that is known in the
technical fields related to the invention has not been described in
detail so that the present invention is not necessarily obscured.
In the accompanying drawing:
[0140] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates the RF spectrum and its
sources;
[0141] FIG. 2 shows the result of the zipper artifact on MRI
imaging;
[0142] FIG. 3A is an illustration of an MRI device with no
shielding means and infringing magnet within an active RF
environment (200);
[0143] FIG. 3B is an illustration of an MRI device with shielding
means and an infringing magnet within an active RF environment
(200);
[0144] FIG. 4A is a schematic illustration of an embodiment of the
U shaped conduit, in a side view profile;
[0145] FIG. 4B is a schematic illustration of an embodiment of the
U shaped conduit, in a side view profile;
[0146] FIG. 4C is a schematic illustration of an embodiment of the
U shaped conduit, in a side view profile;
[0147] FIG. 4D is a schematic illustration of an embodiment of the
U shaped conduit, in a perspective view, illustrating an embodiment
of the longitudinal axis wall;
[0148] FIG. 4E is a schematic illustration of an embodiment of the
U shaped conduit, in a perspective view, illustrating an embodiment
of the longitudinal axis wall;
[0149] FIG. 4F is a schematic illustration of an embodiment of the
U shaped conduit, in a perspective view, illustrating an embodiment
of the longitudinal axis wall; and,
[0150] FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of test setup for
evaluating the Immunity of Wrist II MRI to radiated disturbances at
Cellular, Wi-Fi and RFID frequencies.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0151] The following description is provided, alongside all
chapters of the present invention, so as to enable any person
skilled in the art to make use of the invention and set forth the
best modes contemplated by the inventor of carrying out this
invention. Various modifications, however, will remain apparent to
those skilled in the art, since the generic principles of the
present invention is defined to specifically provide an MRI device
have increased radio interference immunity (RII), decreased
interfering effect on the RF environment and decreased magnetic
attraction. The special features of the MRI device enable it to
operate in an active RF-magnetic environment. The MRI device does
not affect interfere with the RF environment as well as does not
impose its magnetic affect. In addition, ferromagnetic items and RF
transmitting electronic device does not interfere with the imaging
properties of the MRI device.
[0152] An MRI device can affect and be affected on two levels: RF
interference and magnetic field. It can cause RF interference to
nearby electronic devices and be affected by them as well. The
magnetism of the MRI can be affected by nearby ferromagnetic
objects as well as its magnetic field may affect them.
[0153] The term "electromagnetic interference" interchangeably
refers hereinafter to electromagnetic interference (EMI), and
radio-frequency interference (RFI), derived from electromagnetic
radiation, electromagnetic induction, magnetism, electrostatic
fields etc., that affect any electrical circuit, or imaging device
such as MRD, NMR, ESR, NQR, CT, US, etc. This interference is
derived from any source natural or artificial such as earth
magnetic field, atmospheric noise, moving masses of metal,
electrical lines, subways, cellular communication equipment,
electrical devices, TV and radio stations, elevators, etc. This
interference can interrupt, obstruct, degrade, limit, result in
false data, etc., the effective performance of the circuit or
device.
[0154] The term "medical equipment" interchangeably refers
hereinafter to all devices, tubes, connectors, wires, liquid
carriers, needles, sensors, etc., that are used by medical staff in
association with the patient. This medical equipment is used for
various purposes such as life support, ventilating, temperature
regulating, MRI contras solution injection, monitoring of cardio
and breathing rates, viewing the patient, fluids transport,
performing surgical operation, moving at least a part of the
patient, etc.
[0155] The term "medical equipment tubing" interchangeably refers
hereinafter to all tubes, cables, connectors, wires, liquid
carriers, gas carriers, electrical wires, monitoring cables,
viewing cables, data cables etc. that is used in connection to
medical equipment or physical environment maintenance or
monitoring.
[0156] The term "waveguide" interchangeably refers hereinafter to a
structure that guides waves, such as electromagnetic waves or sound
waves. The geometry of a waveguide reflects its function. Wave
guides are constructed in different forms such as a hollow shape,
solid rod, wire, etc. They are typically constructed from either
conductive or dielectric materials. The frequency of the
transmitted wave also dictates the shape of a waveguide. As
depicted in Wikipedia, electromagnetic wave propagation along the
axis of the waveguide is described by the wave equation, which is
derived from Maxwell's equations, and where the wavelength depends
upon the structure of the waveguide, and the material within it
(air, plastic, vacuum, etc.), as well as on the frequency of the
wave.
[0157] The term "RF filter" interchangeably refers hereinafter to
components designed to filter signals in the MHz to GHz frequency
ranges. This frequency range is the range used by most broadcast
radio, television, wireless communication. These components exert
some kind of filtering on the signals transmitted or received. The
filters could be active or passive such as waffle-iron filter,
mechanical RF filter, etc. RF filters are usually placed when there
is need to pass an electrical wire in or out of an MRD enclosure to
ensure that the EMI does not couple on the conductive wiring. These
filters could be of passive components such as a combination of
inductors and capacitors.
[0158] The term "hinge" interchangeably refers hereinafter to any
connection in which one part is movable in respect to the other.
The parts could be connected by a flexible mechanism or material,
joint, hook, thread, axis, juncture, turning point, fold, bend,
elbow, knee, corner, fork, axis, pole, pivot, ball and socket,
condyloid joint, mechanical device, hinge, barrel hinge, pivot
hinges, double-acting floor hinge, butt/mortise hinges, case
hinges, continuous hinges, piano hinges, concealed hinges, cup
hinge, euro hinge, butterfly hinges, parliament hinge, flag hinges,
strap hinges, H hinges, HL hinges, counter-flap hinge, flush hinge,
coach hinge, rising butt hinge, double action spring hinge, tee
hinge, friction hinge, security hinge, cranked hinge, storm-proof
hinge, lift-off hinge, self-closing hinge, butt hinge, etc.
[0159] The term "RF shielding" refers hereinafter to
electromagnetic shielding that blocks radio frequency
electromagnetic radiation.
[0160] The term "about" refers to a value being 20 percent greater
or smaller than the defined measure.
[0161] The term "zipper effect" refers hereinafter to the effect
caused by external interference resulting from external RF fields,
as those caused by open doors, radios mobile telephones, electronic
controls, etc. These emit interfering electromagnetic signals that
hamper MRI image quality. Zipper effect appears as a region of
increased noise with a width of 1 or 2 pixels that extends
perpendicular to the frequency encoding direction, throughout the
mage series. To date, in order to prevent this artifact, MRI
devices are installed in RF free rooms (Faraday cages). Zipper
artifact by Dr Jeremy Jones and Dr Usman Bashir et al. is
incorporated here as a reference (See currently available internet
link http://radiopaedia.org/articles/zipper-artifact).
[0162] The term "Herringbone artifact" refers hereinafter to an
artifact appearing as a herringbone pattern scattered over the
whole image in any direction on one slice or on multiple slices.
The causes of this are many and various, e.g. electromagnetic
spikes created by the gradients, electronic equipment inside the MR
procedure room, or fluctuating AC current. Also known as Crisscross
artifact. MRI: The Basics by Ray Hashman Hashemi, William G.
Bradley, Christopher J. Lisanti, 2003, by Lippincott Williams &
Wilkins, 2.sup.nd Ed., is brought here as a reference.
[0163] According to one embodiment of the present invention, In a
uniform non-fringing magnetic field resonance device (UNF-MRD), an
RF shielding means for providing radio interference immunity (RII)
to the UNF-MRD from RF-electromagnetic environment surrounding the
same; wherein no RF and magnetic interference between the UNF-MRD
and the RF-electromagnetic environment are generated.
[0164] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
wherein the UNF-MRD comprising (a) a main longitudinal axis with a
distal and proximal ends; (b) an open bore extended along the axis
and terminated by an aperture located in the proximal end; and (c)
a closure assembly which is shaped to fit the aperture.
[0165] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
wherein the RF shielding means comprises an RF shielding conduit
(RFSC), having apertures shaped to permit passage of medical
equipment tubing from the external environment of the UNF-MRD to
inner space of the bore, affixed to the closure assembly, the
conduit is characterized by a length (l) and width (w), l:w ratio
is greater than a predefined value n, thereby providing RF
shielding.
[0166] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
wherein the RFSC is connected in a non-protruding manner to the
closure assembly, thereby indirect access is provided between the
bore and the external environment.
[0167] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
wherein the RFSC profile along the width is of a shape selected
from a group consisting of: curved U-shape, polygonal U-shape,
C-shaped, V-shaped, W-shaped, symmetrical, non-symmetrical,
cylinder, polygonal, straight faced, curved, closed shape, open
shape and any combination thereof.
[0168] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
wherein the RFSC comprises a wall along the length; the wall is of
a shape selected from a group consisting of: straight, curved,
polygonal, symmetrical, non symmetrical and any combination
thereof.
[0169] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
wherein at least a portion of the RFSC comprises electromagnetic
conductive material.
[0170] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
wherein the conduit is configured to shield the passage of
frequencies selected from a group consisting of: 0 to about 1000
MHz, 0 to about 500 MHz, 0 to about 200 MHz and any combination
thereof.
[0171] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
wherein the conduit is configured to shield electro-magnetic
interference by means selected from a group consisting of:
waveguide, RF filter, waveguide filter, attenuating material, and
any combination thereof.
[0172] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
wherein at least a portion of the RFSC comprises shielding selected
from a group consisting of: magnetic shielding, RF shielding,
physical shielding and any combination thereof.
[0173] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
wherein the RFSC is affixed to the closure assembly further
comprising a hinge having at least one first connecting member
connected to the UNF-MRD and at least one second connecting member,
connected to the closure assembly, further wherein at least one
first connecting member is maneuverably coupled to at least one
second connecting member.
[0174] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
wherein the RF shielding means comprises an RF shielding hinge
(RFSH); the RFSH comprises at least one first connecting member
connected to the UNF-MRD or the open bore thereof and at least one
second connecting member, connected to the closure assembly; at
least one first connecting member is maneuverably coupled to at
least one second connecting member; the RFSH comprising a conduit,
having apertures shaped to permit passage of medical equipment
tubing from the external environment of the MRD to inner space of
the bore, the conduit having a length (l) and width (w) is provided
within at least a portion of the one first member, at least a
portion of the one second member or in at least a portion of both
members; l:w ratio is greater than a predefined value n, thereby RF
shielding.
[0175] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
wherein the RFSH member connected to the UNF-MRD is connected at a
location selected from a group consisting of: at least a portion of
the UNF-MRD external wall, within at least a portion of the bore,
at least a portion of the UNF-MRD aperture perimeter and any
combination thereof.
[0176] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
wherein the hinge first connecting member is connected at a
location, in respect to the UNF-MRD aperture, selected from a group
consisting of: left, right, below, above and any combination
thereof
[0177] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
wherein at least a portion of the RFSH comprises shielding selected
from a group consisting of: magnetic shielding, RF shielding,
physical shielding and any combination thereof.
[0178] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
wherein the conduit is configured to shield the passage of
frequencies selected from a group consisting of: 0-1000 MHz, 0-500
MHz, 0-200 MHz and any combination thereof.
[0179] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
wherein the conduit is configured to shield electro-magnetic
interference by means selected from a group of: waveguide, RF
filter, waveguide filter, attenuating material, and any combination
thereof.
[0180] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
wherein the RF interference is within a predetermined range.
[0181] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
wherein the range is selected from a group consisting of: (a) from
about 10 to about 100 MHz; (b) from about 0 to about 1000 MHz; (c)
from about 0 to about 500 MHz; (d) from about 0 to about 200 MHz;
and any combination thereof.
[0182] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
wherein the RF shielding means reject frequencies in within a
predetermined range.
[0183] The RF shielding means of claim 19, wherein the range is
selected from a group consisting of: (a) from about 10 to about 100
MHz; (b) from about 0 to about 1000 MHz; (c) from about 0 to about
500 MHz; (d) from about 0 to about 200 MHz; and any combination
thereof.
[0184] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
wherein the RF-electromagnetic environment includes an item
selected from a group consisting of RF welders, electronic article
surveillance and RF identification devices, cordless phones, FM and
AM broadcasting and receiving devices, and any combination
thereof
[0185] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
wherein the RF interference is selected from a group consisting of
continuous interference, transient interference, and any
combination thereof.
[0186] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
wherein the RII provided by the shielding is above a predetermined
value.
[0187] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
wherein the predetermined value is about 100 dB.
[0188] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
wherein the magnetic field within a predetermined radius from the
UNF-MRD is less than a predetermined value.
[0189] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
wherein the predetermined radius is less than about 0.5 meter the
predetermined value is less than about 20 mT.
[0190] 20 mT is the weakest magnetism that may erase information
from a credit card.
[0191] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
wherein the RII provides no zipper effect in images produced by the
UNF-MRD.
[0192] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
wherein the UNF-MRD provides images with no Herringbone effect.
[0193] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
wherein the UNF-MRD is compatible with ferromagnetic materials
located further than a predetermined distance.
[0194] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
wherein the predetermined distance is about 0.5 meters.
[0195] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a
method for eliminating RF interference between a uniform
non-fringing magnetic field resonance device (UNF-MRD) and an
RF-electromagnetic environment surrounding the same, comprising
steps of: (a) obtaining a UNF-MRD; and, (b) embedding RF shielding
means; the RF shielding means provides radio interference immunity
(RII) to the UNF-MRD from RF-electromagnetic environment; thereby,
no RF and magnetic interference between the UNF-MRD and the
RF-electromagnetic environment is generated.
[0196] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
additionally comprising a step of providing the UNF-MRD with (a) a
main longitudinal axis with a distal and proximal ends; (b) an open
bore extended along the axis and terminated by an aperture located
in the proximal end; and (c) a closure assembly which is shaped to
fit the aperture.
[0197] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
additionally comprising a step of selecting an RF shielding conduit
(RFSC) for the RF shielding means, the RFSC having apertures shaped
to permit passage of medical equipment tubing from the external
environment of the UNF-MRD to inner space of the bore, affixed to
the closure assembly, wherein the conduit is characterized by a
length (l) and width (w), l:w ratio is greater than a predefined
value n, thereby providing RF shielding.
[0198] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
additionally comprising a step of connecting the RFSC in a
non-protruding manner to the closure assembly, thereby providing
indirect access between the bore and the external environment.
[0199] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
additionally comprising a step of selecting the RFSC profile along
the width is of a shape from a group consisting of: curved U-shape,
polygonal U-shape, C-shaped, V-shaped, W-shaped, symmetrical,
non-symmetrical, cylinder, polygonal, straight faced, curved,
closed shape, open shape and any combination thereof.
[0200] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
additionally comprising a step of providing a wall along the
length; the wall is of a shape selected from a group consisting of:
straight, curved, polygonal, symmetrical, non-symmetrical and any
combination thereof.
[0201] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
additionally comprising a step of providing, to at least a portion
of the RFSC, electromagnetic conductive material.
[0202] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
additionally comprising a step of configuring the conduit to shield
the passage of frequencies selected from a group consisting of: 0
to about 1000 MHz, 0 to about 500 MHz, 0 to about 200 MHz and any
combination thereof.
[0203] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
additionally comprising a step of configuring the conduit to shield
the electro-magnetic interference by means selected from a group
consisting of: waveguide, RF filter, waveguide filter, attenuating
material, and any combination thereof.
[0204] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
additionally comprising a step of providing, to at least a portion
of the RFSC, shielding selected from a group consisting of:
magnetic shielding, RF shielding, physical shielding and any
combination thereof.
[0205] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
additionally comprising a step of affixing the RFSC to the closure
assembly further comprising a hinge having at least one first
connecting member connected to the UNF-MRD and at least one second
connecting member, connected to the closure assembly, further
wherein at least one first connecting member is maneuverably
coupled to at least one second connecting member.
[0206] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
additionally comprising a step of selecting an RF shielding hinge
(RFSH) for the RF shielding means; the RFSH comprises at least one
first connecting member connected to the UNF-MRD or the open bore
thereof and at least one second connecting member, connected to the
closure assembly; at least one first connecting member is
maneuverably coupled to at least one second connecting member; the
RFSH comprising a conduit, having apertures shaped to permit
passage of medical equipment tubing from the external environment
of the MRD to inner space of the bore, the conduit having a length
(l) and width (w) is provided within at least a portion of the one
first member, at least a portion of the one second member or in at
least a portion of both members; l:w ratio is greater than a
predefined value n, thereby RF shielding.
[0207] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
additionally comprising a step of connecting the RFSH member to the
UNF-MRD is connected at a location selected from a group consisting
of: at least a portion of the UNF-MRD external wall, within at
least a portion of the bore, at least a portion of the UNF-MRD
aperture perimeter and any combination thereof.
[0208] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
additionally comprising a step of connecting the hinge first
connecting member at a location, in respect to the UNF-MRD
aperture, selected from a group consisting of: left, right, below,
above and any combination thereof
[0209] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
additionally comprising a step of selecting at least a portion of
the RFSH comprises shielding from a group consisting of: magnetic
shielding, RF shielding, physical shielding and any combination
thereof.
[0210] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
additionally comprising a step of configuring the conduit to shield
the passage of frequencies selected from a group consisting of: 0
to about 1000 MHz, 0 to about 500 MHz, 0 to about 200 MHz and any
combination thereof.
[0211] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
additionally comprising a step of configuring the conduit to shield
the electro-magnetic interference by means selected from a group
of: waveguide, RF filter, waveguide filter, attenuating material,
and any combination thereof
[0212] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
additionally comprising a step of defining the RF interference
within a predetermined range.
[0213] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
additionally comprising a step of selecting the range from a group
consisting of: (a) from about 10 to about 100 MHz; (b) from about 0
to about 1000 MHz; (c) from about 0 to about 500 MHz; (d) from
about 0 to about 200 MHz; and any combination thereof.
[0214] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
additionally comprising a step of rejecting the RF shielding means
frequencies in within a predetermined range.
[0215] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
additionally comprising a step of selecting the range from a group
consisting of: (a) from about 10 to about 100 MHz; (b) from about 0
to about 1000 MHz; (c) from about 0 to about 500 MHz; (d) from
about 0 to about 200 MHz; and any combination thereof.
[0216] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
wherein the RF-electromagnetic environment includes an item
selected from a group consisting of RF welders, electronic article
surveillance and RF identification devices, cordless phones, FM and
AM broadcasting and receiving devices, and any combination
thereof.
[0217] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
additionally comprising a step of selecting the RF interference
from a group consisting of continuous interference, transient
interference, and any combination thereof
[0218] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
wherein the RII provided by the shielding is above a predetermined
value.
[0219] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
wherein the predetermined value is about 100 dB.
[0220] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
wherein the magnetic field within a predetermined radius from the
UNF-MRD is less than a predetermined value.
[0221] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
wherein the predetermined radius is less than about 0.5 meter the
predetermined value is less than about 20 mT.
[0222] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
additionally comprising a step of providing no zipper effect by the
RII in images produced by the UNF-MRD.
[0223] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
additionally comprising a step of providing by the UNF-MRD images
with no Herringbone effect.
[0224] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
wherein the UNF-MRD is compatible with ferromagnetic materials
located further than a predetermined distance.
[0225] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
wherein the predetermined distance is about 0.5 meters.
[0226] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
wherein subjects going through an imaging process in the UNF-MRD
are not obligated to be detached from medical equipment.
[0227] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
additionally comprising a step of passing the medical equipment
tubing through the conduit.
[0228] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a
method for manufacturing a uniform non-fringing magnetic field
resonance device (UNF-MRD) for imaging within an RF-electromagnetic
environment surrounding the same, comprising steps of: (a)
obtaining an UNF-MRD; and, (b) embedding RF shielding means; the RF
shielding means provides radio interference immunity (RII) to the
UNF-MRD from RF-electromagnetic environment; thereby, no RF and
magnetic interference between the UNF-MRD and the
RF-electromagnetic environment is generated.
[0229] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
additionally comprising a step of providing the UNF-MRD with (a) a
main longitudinal axis with a distal and proximal ends; (b) an open
bore extended along the axis and terminated by an aperture located
in the proximal end; and (c) a closure assembly which is shaped to
fit the aperture.
[0230] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
additionally comprising a step of selecting an RF shielding conduit
(RFSC) for the RF shielding means, the RFSC having apertures shaped
to permit passage of medical equipment tubing from the external
environment of the UNF-MRD to inner space of the bore, affixed to
the closure assembly, wherein the conduit is characterized by a
length (l) and width (w), l:w ratio is greater than a predefined
value n, thereby providing RF shielding.
[0231] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
additionally comprising a step of connecting the RFSC in a
non-protruding manner to the closure assembly, thereby providing
indirect access between the bore and the external environment.
[0232] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
additionally comprising a step of selecting the RFSC profile along
the width is of a shape from a group consisting of: curved U-shape,
polygonal U-shape, C-shaped, V-shaped, W-shaped, symmetrical,
non-symmetrical, cylinder, polygonal, straight faced, curved,
closed shape, open shape and any combination thereof.
[0233] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
additionally comprising a step of providing a wall along the
length; the wall is of a shape selected from a group consisting of:
straight, curved, polygonal, symmetrical, non symmetrical and any
combination thereof.
[0234] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
additionally comprising a step of providing, to at least a portion
of the RFSC, electromagnetic conductive material.
[0235] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
additionally comprising a step of configuring the conduit to shield
the passage of frequencies selected from a group consisting of: 0
to about 1000 MHz, 0 to about 500 MHz, 0 to about 200 MHz and any
combination thereof.
[0236] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
additionally comprising a step of configuring the conduit to shield
the electro-magnetic interference by means selected from a group
consisting of: waveguide, RF filter, waveguide filter, attenuating
material, and any combination thereof.
[0237] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
additionally comprising a step of providing, to at least a portion
of the RFSC, shielding selected from a group consisting of:
magnetic shielding, RF shielding, physical shielding and any
combination thereof.
[0238] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
additionally comprising a step of affixing the RFSC to the closure
assembly further comprising a hinge having at least one first
connecting member connected to the UNF-MRD and at least one second
connecting member, connected to the closure assembly, further
wherein at least one first connecting member is maneuverably
coupled to at least one second connecting member.
[0239] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
additionally comprising a step of selecting an RF shielding hinge
(RFSH) for the RF shielding means; the RFSH comprises at least one
first connecting member connected to the UNF-MRD or the open bore
thereof and at least one second connecting member, connected to the
closure assembly; at least one first connecting member is
maneuverably coupled to at least one second connecting member; the
RFSH comprising a conduit, having apertures shaped to permit
passage of medical equipment tubing from the external environment
of the MRD to inner space of the bore, the conduit having a length
(l) and width (w) is provided within at least a portion of the one
first member, at least a portion of the one second member or in at
least a portion of both members; l:w ratio is greater than a
predefined value n, thereby RF shielding.
[0240] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
additionally comprising a step of connecting the RFSH member to the
UNF-MRD is connected at a location selected from a group consisting
of: at least a portion of the UNF-MRD external wall, within at
least a portion of the bore, at least a portion of the UNF-MRD
aperture perimeter and any combination thereof.
[0241] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
additionally comprising a step of connecting the hinge first
connecting member at a location, in respect to the UNF-MRD
aperture, selected from a group consisting of: left, right, below,
above and any combination thereof
[0242] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
additionally comprising a step of selecting at least a portion of
the RFSH comprises shielding from a group consisting of: magnetic
shielding, RF shielding, physical shielding and any combination
thereof.
[0243] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
additionally comprising a step of configuring the conduit to shield
the passage of frequencies selected from a group consisting of: 0
to about 1000 MHz, 0 to about 500 MHz, 0 to about 200 MHz and any
combination thereof.
[0244] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
additionally comprising a step of configuring the conduit to shield
the electro-magnetic interference by means selected from a group
of: waveguide, RF filter, waveguide filter, attenuating material,
and any combination thereof
[0245] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
additionally comprising a step of defining the RF interference
within a predetermined range.
[0246] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
additionally comprising a step of selecting the range from a group
consisting of: (a) from about 10 to about 100 MHz; (b) from about 0
to about 1000 MHz; (c) from about 0 to about 500 MHz; (d) from
about 0 to about 200 MHz; and any combination thereof.
[0247] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
additionally comprising a step of rejecting the RF shielding means
frequencies in within a predetermined range.
[0248] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
additionally comprising a step of selecting the range from a group
consisting of: (a) from about 10 to about 100 MHz; (b) from about 0
to about 1000 MHz; (c) from about 0 to about 500 MHz; (d) from
about 0 to about 200 MHz; and any combination thereof.
[0249] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
wherein the RF-electromagnetic environment includes an item
selected from a group consisting of RF welders, electronic article
surveillance and RF identification devices, cordless phones, FM and
AM broadcasting and receiving devices, and any combination
thereof.
[0250] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
additionally comprising a step of selecting the RF interference
from a group consisting of continuous interference, transient
interference, and any combination thereof
[0251] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
wherein the RII provided by the shielding is above a predetermined
value.
[0252] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
wherein the predetermined value is about 100 dB.
[0253] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
wherein the magnetic field within a predetermined radius from the
UNF-MRD is less than a predetermined value.
[0254] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
wherein the predetermined radius is less than about 0.5 meter the
predetermined value is less than about 20 mT.
[0255] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
additionally comprising a step of providing no zipper effect by the
RII in images produced by the UNF-MRD.
[0256] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
additionally comprising a step of providing by the UNF-MRD images
with no Herringbone effect.
[0257] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
wherein the UNF-MRD is compatible with ferromagnetic materials
located further than a predetermined distance.
[0258] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
wherein the predetermined distance is about 0.5 meters.
[0259] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
wherein subjects going through an imaging process in the UNF-MRD
are not obligated to be detached from medical equipment.
[0260] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
additionally comprising a step of passing the medical equipment
tubing through the conduit.
[0261] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a
standard of care (SOC) method for imaging a uniform non-fringing
magnetic field resonance device (UNF-MRD) for imaging within an
RF-electromagnetic environment surrounding the same, comprising
steps of: (a) obtaining an UNF-MRD; and, (b) embedding RF shielding
means; the RF shielding means provides radio interference immunity
(RII) to the UNF-MRD from RF-electromagnetic environment; thereby,
no RF and magnetic interference between the UNF-MRD and the
RF-electromagnetic environment is generated.
[0262] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
additionally comprising a step of providing the UNF-MRD with (a) a
main longitudinal axis with a distal and proximal ends; (b) an open
bore extended along the axis and terminated by an aperture located
in the proximal end; and (c) a closure assembly which is shaped to
fit the aperture.
[0263] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
additionally comprising a step of selecting an RF shielding conduit
(RFSC) for the RF shielding means, the RFSC having apertures shaped
to permit passage of medical equipment tubing from the external
environment of the UNF-MRD to inner space of the bore, affixed to
the closure assembly, wherein the conduit is characterized by a
length (l) and width (w), l:w ratio is greater than a predefined
value n, thereby providing RF shielding.
[0264] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
additionally comprising a step of connecting the RFSC in a
non-protruding manner to the closure assembly, thereby providing
indirect access between the bore and the external environment.
[0265] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
additionally comprising a step of selecting the RFSC profile along
the width is of a shape from a group consisting of: curved U-shape,
polygonal U-shape, C-shaped, V-shaped, W-shaped, symmetrical,
non-symmetrical, cylinder, polygonal, straight faced, curved,
closed shape, open shape and any combination thereof.
[0266] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
additionally comprising a step of providing a wall along the
length; the wall is of a shape selected from a group consisting of:
straight, curved, polygonal, symmetrical, non symmetrical and any
combination thereof.
[0267] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
additionally comprising a step of providing, to at least a portion
of the RFSC, electromagnetic conductive material.
[0268] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
additionally comprising a step of configuring the conduit to shield
the passage of frequencies selected from a group consisting of: 0
to about 1000 MHz, 0 to about 500 MHz, 0 to about 200 MHz and any
combination thereof.
[0269] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
additionally comprising a step of configuring the conduit to shield
the electro-magnetic interference by means selected from a group
consisting of: waveguide, RF filter, waveguide filter, attenuating
material, and any combination thereof.
[0270] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
additionally comprising a step of providing, to at least a portion
of the RFSC, shielding selected from a group consisting of:
magnetic shielding, RF shielding, physical shielding and any
combination thereof.
[0271] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
additionally comprising a step of affixing the RFSC to the closure
assembly further comprising a hinge having at least one first
connecting member connected to the UNF-MRD and at least one second
connecting member, connected to the closure assembly, further
wherein at least one first connecting member is maneuverably
coupled to at least one second connecting member.
[0272] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
additionally comprising a step of selecting an RF shielding hinge
(RFSH) for the RF shielding means; the RFSH comprises at least one
first connecting member connected to the UNF-MRD or the open bore
thereof and at least one second connecting member, connected to the
closure assembly; at least one first connecting member is
maneuverably coupled to at least one second connecting member; the
RFSH comprising a conduit, having apertures shaped to permit
passage of medical equipment tubing from the external environment
of the MRD to inner space of the bore, the conduit having a length
(l) and width (w) is provided within at least a portion of the one
first member, at least a portion of the one second member or in at
least a portion of both members; l:w ratio is greater than a
predefined value n, thereby RF shielding.
[0273] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
additionally comprising a step of connecting the RFSH member to the
UNF-MRD is connected at a location selected from a group consisting
of: at least a portion of the UNF-MRD external wall, within at
least a portion of the bore, at least a portion of the UNF-MRD
aperture perimeter and any combination thereof.
[0274] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
additionally comprising a step of connecting the hinge first
connecting member at a location, in respect to the UNF-MRD
aperture, selected from a group consisting of: left, right, below,
above and any combination thereof
[0275] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
additionally comprising a step of selecting at least a portion of
the RFSH comprises shielding from a group consisting of: magnetic
shielding, RF shielding, physical shielding and any combination
thereof.
[0276] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
additionally comprising a step of configuring the conduit to shield
the passage of frequencies selected from a group consisting of: 0
to about 1000 MHz, 0 to about 500 MHz, 0 to about 200 MHz and any
combination thereof.
[0277] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
additionally comprising a step of configuring the conduit to shield
the electro-magnetic interference by means selected from a group
of: waveguide, RF filter, waveguide filter, attenuating material,
and any combination thereof
[0278] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
additionally comprising a step of defining the RF interference
within a predetermined range.
[0279] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
additionally comprising a step of selecting the range from a group
consisting of: (a) from about 10 to about 100 MHz; (b) from about 0
to about 1000 MHz; (c) from about 0 to about 500 MHz; (d) from
about 0 to about 200 MHz; and any combination thereof.
[0280] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
additionally comprising a step of rejecting the RF shielding means
frequencies in within a predetermined range.
[0281] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
additionally comprising a step of selecting the range from a group
consisting of: (a) from about 10 to about 100 MHz; (b) from about 0
to about 1000 MHz; (c) from about 0 to about 500 MHz; (d) from
about 0 to about 200 MHz; and any combination thereof.
[0282] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
wherein the RF-electromagnetic environment includes an item
selected from a group consisting of RF welders, electronic article
surveillance and RF identification devices, cordless phones, FM and
AM broadcasting and receiving devices, and any combination
thereof.
[0283] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
additionally comprising a step of selecting the RF interference
from a group consisting of continuous interference, transient
interference, and any combination thereof
[0284] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
wherein the RII provided by the shielding is above a predetermined
value.
[0285] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
wherein the predetermined value is about 100 dB.
[0286] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
wherein the magnetic field within a predetermined radius from the
UNF-MRD is less than a predetermined value.
[0287] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
wherein the predetermined radius is less than about 0.5 meter the
predetermined value is less than about 20 mT.
[0288] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
additionally comprising a step of providing no zipper effect by the
RII in images produced by the UNF-MRD.
[0289] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
additionally comprising a step of providing by the UNF-MRD images
with no Herringbone effect.
[0290] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
wherein the UNF-MRD is compatible with ferromagnetic materials
located further than a predetermined distance.
[0291] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
wherein the predetermined distance is about 0.5 meters.
[0292] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
wherein subjects going through an imaging process in the UNF-MRD
are not obligated to be detached from medical equipment.
[0293] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
additionally comprising a step of passing the medical equipment
tubing through the conduit.
[0294] Reference is now made to FIG. 1, which schematically
illustrates the RF spectrum and its sources. It can be deduced from
the table that an MRI device transmits in the range of about 10 to
100 MHz and therefore will mostly affect and be affected by other
electronic device transmitting in the same range. Other electronic
devices transmitting in this range are mainly RF welders (10 to 100
MHz), electronic article surveillance and RF identification (100
KHz to 5 GHz), cordless phones (1 MHz to 5 GHz), FM and AM
broadcasting (100 KHz to 50 MHz and 50 to 100 MHz),
respectively.
[0295] The result of RF interference on the function of an MRI
device will be mostly on the imaging quality causing artifacts and
noise. For example, the zipper effect, resulting from inhomogeneity
of the magnetic field caused by interferences with radio frequency
from various sources, appear as dashed lines as can be seen in FIG.
2.
[0296] The MRI's RF may also interfere with other electronic
devices: it may disrupt radio broadcasting, it may reduce the sound
quality of cordless phones (signal/noise ratio) and its reception
range, it may disturb the function of RFID and electronic article
surveillance by increasing their interference rejection.
[0297] The MRI magnet may affect ferromagnetic objects mainly by
the missile effect in which ferromagnetic objects can be withdrawn
into the MRI device in a very strong force. It may also cause a
Torque effect on pacemakers that compromises their function and
affect the homogeneity of other magnetic fields in its surrounding
(for example, neighboring MRI devices.
[0298] The homogeneity of the MRI's magnet may be compromised by
ferromagnetic objects in its surroundings, thus reducing the
imaging quality of the device.
[0299] Reference is now made to FIG. 3 (300), which illustrates an
MRI device (310) and its interactions with an RF transceiving
device (320) (cordless phone in this example). FIG. 3A illustrates
the interactions of an MRI comprising an infringing magnet and no
RF shielding means and FIG. 3B illustrates an MRI device comprising
a non-infringing magnet and RF shielding means (330). The RF
shielding means may be either a waveguide or a Faraday cage
[0300] The RF emitted from the cordless phone is indicated 330A and
330B in FIGS. 3A and 3B, respectively. In FIG. 3A, in which the MRI
device is lacking shielding means, the RF emitted from the cordless
phone (230A) is emitted within the MRI device, thus interfering the
device's RF. In contrast, in an MRI device having RF shielding
means (330) the RF emitted from the cordless phone (330B) does not
enter the device and therefore does not affects its function. In a
similar manner, the RF emitted from the MRI device (340) not having
shielding means interferes with the cordless phone while in the MRI
device having shielding means the MRI's RF remains trapped with the
device. In addition, the MRI device in FIG. 3A has a fringing
magnet that exerts stronger and broader magnetic field (340A) in
comparison to an MRI comprising an infringing magnet the exerts a
much weaker and narrower magnetic field (340B).
[0301] An MRI device having shielding means and infringing magnet
makes it possible to carry out imaging process within an active RF
environment. For example, it is possible to image with an MRI
within an emergency room, which utilizes cordless phones and RFID
tags for identifying patients. Utilizing this kind of MRI will
enable receiving accurate imaging data without compromising the
function of other electronic devices. It will also prevent
hazardous consequences usually existing with an infringing
magnet.
[0302] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the RF shielding
means comprising a U-shaped (e.g., U-shape, C-shape, W-shape etc.)
conduit having an array of distal and proximal sealing walls, both
are substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and having
upwards and downwards directions, and a recess in between the walls
having length (upwards to downwards direction) and width (distal to
proximal direction), wherein each of the proximal wall and the
distal wall is having an aperture at opposite directions, and
wherein in the recess, the ratio of length to width is greater than
a predefined value n. The special structure of the conduit enables
RF shielding whilst still keeping an opening for medical tubes to
passage so a patient will not need to be detached from medical
equipment he is connected to (respirator, intravenous feeding,
etc.).
[0303] Reference is now made to FIG. 4A schematically illustrating,
in an out of scale manner, an embodiment of the invention. In this
embodiment the U-shaped profile of the conduit (100) comprises
walls connected in straight angles to one another.
[0304] Reference is now made to FIG. 4B schematically illustrating,
in an out of scale manner, an embodiment of the invention. In this
embodiment the U-shaped profile of the conduit (100) is a curved
profile.
[0305] Reference is now made to FIG. 4C schematically illustrating,
in an out of scale manner, an embodiment of the invention. In this
embodiment the U-shaped profile of the conduit (100) is a
non-symmetrical multifaceted shape profile.
[0306] Reference is now made to FIG. 4D schematically illustrating,
in an out of scale manner, an embodiment of the invention. In this
embodiment the conduit wall (16) along its longitudinal axis is a
straight planar surface.
[0307] Reference is now made to FIG. 4E schematically illustrating,
in an out of scale manner, an embodiment of the invention. In this
embodiment the conduit wall (17) along its longitudinal axis is a
curved surface.
[0308] Reference is now made to FIG. 4F schematically illustrating,
in an out of scale manner, an embodiment of the invention. In this
embodiment the conduit wall (18) along its longitudinal axis is a
multi-facet surface. In this shape the length l1 measured from
point A to point B, is shorter than the length measurement l2 that
is the actual length along which the cables or tubes (150) are
passed. Because the RF shielding proprieties are calculated using
the accumulating length of the multi faced wall (18) as in l2, l1
can be shorter and the conduit will still maintain the ratio of
length to width to be greater than a predefined value n. This
allows for embodiments having different sized conduits.
Example 1
[0309] Immunity to radiated disturbances at Cellular, Wi-Fi and
RFID frequencies of a Wrist II MRI was tested by the Standards
Institution of Israel. The Wrist II MRI is a uniform non-fringing
magnetic field resonance device (UNF-MRD) comprising RF shielding
means.
[0310] The objective of the test was to study the performance of
the machine under cellular. Wi-Fi or RFID disturbance. The
disturbance at frequencies representing Cellular, Wi-Fi and RFID
was applied to all sides and interconnecting cables of equipment
under test (EUT). The disturbance signal was transmitted by
monopole antenna with 5 cm distance from EUT surface. The test
setup can be viewed in FIG. 5.
[0311] The disturbance at frequencies representing Cellular, Wi-Fi
and RFID was applied to all sides and interconnecting cables of
EUT. The disturbance signal was transmitted by monopole antenna
with 5 cm distance from EUT surface. Results can be viewed in Table
1:
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Amplifier Freq. Forward Type of Ca- Com-
(MHz) power (W) Modulation Magnet bles Rack puter 800-900 2 PM, DC
50%, PASS PASS PASS PASS Rep rate 100 Hz 1700-1900 2 PM, DC 50%,
PASS PASS PASS PASS Rep rate 100 Hz 2400-2500 2 PM, DC 50%, PASS
PASS PASS PASS Rep rate 100 Hz 13.56 2 PM, DC 50%, PASS PASS PASS
PASS Rep rate 100 Hz
[0312] Performance criteria of the test: no change in performance
of EUT is allowed during disturbance application; Program running
at the EUT during the test: AMF 1.2.0.6; Running mode: MRI Scan.
Conclusions of the test: no change in performance was observed
during the test and therefore the Wrist II MRI is immune to RF
radiation at least in the ranges tested.
* * * * *
References